Somaliland: Fighting erupts in Kalshale between troops and Sool, Sanag, Cayn (SSC) militia
Somaliland forces based in the village of Kalshale in Buhodle region of East Somaliland came under a were surprise attack by SSC militia from three different sides in the early mornings on Monday. The fighting erupted early hours after morning prayers and has continued for four hours before the fighting stopped.
Nuh Taani, Somaliland armed forces chief General told local media in Hargeisa the SSC militia were heavily-armed however the army was ready and responded with heavy artillery and machine guns.
The deadly confrontation between Somaliland military forces and the local armed clan militias left more than 20 dead and over 40 injured. According to eyewitnesses in Kalshale and Buhodle town, where the armed clan militia is based, the SSC lost 16 men while 24 were wounded. It is reported the injured were taken to the central Somali town of Galkayo. The army also took 16 hostages.